I always knew that I wanted my proposal to be a surprise. I didn’t want to have any idea that something was up. Of course it would be tricky, considering Matthew isn't good at keeping secrets. I knew as a romantic and a traditionalist, he’d ask my parents for their blessing and having my mom keep a secret from me would be impossible too. But Matthew accomplished the amazing task. Here’s how it happened:

Matthew and I planned a trip to San Francisco to help my brother move and to see friends. On one of the nights, we were supposed to go on a double date with his friend and as we left the hotel, his friend called to say that they were in traffic and would be late. We drove to the restaurant and found a parking spot next to the adjacent Alta Park. We decided to take some photos while we waited since the view of the city was just beautiful. In the middle of our little photo session Matthew asked me to check and see why the camera wasn't taking the picture. I walked over and as I looked at the camera, Matthew started to say how much he loves me and how he wants to spend the rest of our lives together. I thought he was just being sweet and didn't think he was proposing. It wasn't until he got down on his knee and reached into his coat pocket that I said, "What?! Oh my gosh! Are you serious?" I was SO surprised and a little in shock. Matthew asked two ladies walking by to take our picture and then the tears started coming! I was so excited and happy and it was such a wonderful rush of emotions! There was a "Yes, of course!" mixed in somewhere as well! I called my mom, dad, brother, and best friend immediately and they were all thrilled! It was so great that it happened in San Francisco, the city where Matthew and I met and fell in love.

It wasn't until the day of the bridal shower that I saw the pictures above. Matthew had hired a photographer to secretly take photos of our proposal and he surprised me again with a book of photos. I had no idea that someone was there, but I love that our special moment was documented!

From Ruche's dress collection, here are some of my favorites that I would have worn to our engagement celebrations: